I've been using an M-Audio Keystation controller for some time now. I want to update to something better but but I'm racking my brain between another controller (MPK249) or a hardware synth (Roland Gaia). I love the Hybrid 3 vst that comes with the MPK249, but I also love the option of creating my own sounds with the Gaia. The other dilemma is the 37 keys vs 49 keys. The MPK249 and the Gaia are both in my price range. Any suggestions that can help me decide would be appreciated big time. Thanks to all.

Question #1: how are your keyboard chops? 49 keys is a lot better for two handed playing than 37 keys.

Question #2: do you own any other hardware synths? Gaia has very "hands on" programming. Even with the knobs of the MPK, working with softsynths is never as immediate. Gaia is a very basic instrument, great for learning subtractive synth programming if you are more of a preset user looking to learn how to create your own sounds. The actual sound of the Gaia is good but not mindblowing (not to me anyway!).

Question #3: how much need do you have for the controller features of the MPK (pads, sliders, knobs)? You can use Gaia's sliders and knobs to control software but it's clumsy compared to the MPK. Compared to the knobless Keystation, even the Gaia is a step up in terms of softsynth control

Question #4: do you already own an audio interface for your computer? The Gaia can be used as a USB audio/MIDI interface.

Question #4: what's your DAW? MPK comes with templates to control most of the big name DAWs and I believe it ships with a copy of Ableton Live Lite.

I listened to Hatfield and the North at Rainbow. They were very wonderful and they made my heart a prisoner.

Thanks again guys. MPK is definitely the way to go. Store DJ sells the MPK49 for $499 and the MPK61 for 799. 300 difference is pushing my budget. I don't know if they are cheaper elsewhere in Australia.